The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced the opening of a new Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) topic under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) SBIR program. The topic, HR0011SB20244-03, titled “Biomaterial Energy Dissipating Structures (BEDS),” is now open for proposals. This exciting opportunity invites innovative small businesses to contribute to cutting-edge research in biomaterials. Below are the critical details and key dates you need to know.
See the additional details here – 👉 https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/submissions/solicitation-documents/active-solicitations
Important Dates
The proposal submission system will stop accepting proposals at 12 pm Eastern. This is a firm deadline (no grace period). If your submission is late, you will not be able to submit again until the next window and only if there is a matching topic. Proposers are strongly urged to submit well in advance of the deadline.
- June 26, 2024: Topic open; begin submitting proposals in DSIP
- July 23, 2024: Topic Q&A closes to new questions at 12:00 p.m. ET
- July 30, 2024: Topic close; full proposals must be submitted in DSIP no later than 12:00 p.m. ET
Submission Details
Full solicitation documents, component-specific instructions, and topic descriptions are available on the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). Be sure to select the appropriate BAA cycle tab to access all necessary information for your proposal.
Programmatic Changes
The DoD 24.4 Annual SBIR BAA incorporates significant changes as mandated by the SBIR and STTR Extension Act of 2022 (Pub. L. 117-183). Notably, each proposing small business must complete the “Disclosures of Foreign Affiliations or Relationships to Foreign Countries” form and upload it to Volume 5, Supporting Documents. Proposals without this completed form will be deemed noncompliant and will not be evaluated.
Key Requirements
- Disclosures of Foreign Affiliations: All proposal submissions, including Phase II proposals and proposals submitted to CSOs, must include the completed form in Volume 5. Ensure thorough completion to avoid disqualification.
- Technical Correspondence: Questions regarding the technical aspects of research objectives and awards should be emailed to SBIR_BAA@darpa.mil, referencing the topic number. DARPA will post a consolidated FAQ document to address common queries.
- Technical Support: For technical assistance with the DSIP, support is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET. Email requests to DoDSBIRSupport@reisystems.com with a copy to SBIR_BAA@darpa.mil.
How to Prepare
Proposers are encouraged to thoroughly review the BAA to stay informed about programmatic and contractual changes. DARPA has provided a Customer Support Guide with notable do’s and don’ts to assist firms throughout the proposal process. Additionally, the Learning & Support section on the DSIP offers Job Aids and Help Videos to guide you through preparing and submitting your proposal.
Final Thoughts
This new SBIR topic from DARPA presents an exciting opportunity for small businesses to engage in groundbreaking research in biomaterial energy dissipating structures. By adhering to the updated requirements and key deadlines, you can position your proposal for success.
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